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Feds: Cincinnati Zoo's gorilla barrier wasn't in compliance the day Harambe was shot

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Updated: 2:19 PM EST Nov 17, 2016

Feds: Cincinnati Zoo's gorilla barrier wasn't in compliance the day Harambe was shot

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Updated: 2:19 PM EST Nov 17, 2016

Feds: Cincinnati Zoo's gorilla barrier wasn't in compliance the day Harambe was shot

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Updated: 2:19 PM EST Nov 17, 2016

CINCINNATI - (WLWT) —

A federal inspection has concluded that the Cincinnati Zoo's barrier to keep the public and gorillas separate wasn't in compliance with standards for housing primates the day a 3-year-old boy slipped into the gorilla exhibit.

A USDA inspection in April, six weeks before the child got into the enclosure, yielded no violations at the zoo, and the barrier system has never been found to be noncompliant in previous inspections, the zoo pointed out in a statement released Thursday.

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"The Cincinnati Zoo reaffirms its longstanding commitment to the well-being of the resident animals and the safety of those inspired to view and conserve them," the zoo said in a written statement. "Its stellar record in that regard includes 43 million visitors over the last four decades who have enjoyed the Gorilla World exhibit without coming in contact with the gorillas."

The USDA acknowledged that the organization had not found the barrier to be noncompliant in previous inspections.

WLWT

"Barriers between exhibits and the general public must restrict public contact from the animals," USDA spokesperson Tanya Espinosa said. "In the case of the incident that occurred at the Cincinnati Zoo, the barrier had been in existence since 1978 with no updates, and while there had not been any issues prior to the May 28th incident, it became apparent on May 28th that the barrier was no longer effective."

The federal inspection report viewed by The Associated Press states that the zoo's dangerous-animal response team properly followed procedures after zoo visitors called 911 on May 28 to report a child in the gorilla enclosure.

The zoo quickly improved the barrier following the gorilla's death. U.S. Agriculture Department spokeswoman Tanya Espinosa says an investigation is continuing. It could lead to fines or other disciplinary action.